My New Old M2

[Michael Hiles]

Originally Posted by wilfredo

Michael:

Are you saying that Leica can replace the viewfinder frame lines of my M8 with one that is 35-50-90 like the M2?
Benitez-Rivera Photography

Wilfredo,

I do not know about the M8 - I do not believe that there are frame or viewfinder choices (someone else will know for sure). The à la carte program is for the current line of film cameras, and offers a variety of choices, including different viewfinder magnifications (.58 for very WA lenses, .72 like the M2, and .85 which works well with 135mm lenses and is closest to the M3 (.95). Various frame sets are also offered. But I don't think for the M8.

[imiges]

the mp-3 has the same frame lines as the m2.
hope to see more film work from you and your m2, Wilfredo!
That first one is great.

Amado

[NZDavid]

Wilfredo, these made me smile, especially #2. These sorts of pictures are what Leica's all about!

[azzo]

Lovely shots and presentation Wilfredo....
...and enjoy your new toy.

[chris_livsey]

So many keepers from the first roll, well done. You will love it more the more you use it. Can you see the M8 (and I have one) working in 50 years time ? Can you "see" the M8 files in 50 years ? who knows but my negs will surely see me out and the next generation as no doubt will your M2.

On the a la carte the only option for the 35/50/90 combination is with the 0.72 viewfinder but rejoice it is there. As the M8/M8.2 is not (yet) on a la carte we can't change from Leica but given the mechanics of the system I think it could be done by a skilled repair person but it would no doubt cost more than another M2 unless everyone carries on praising them and they rise in price.

[wilfredo]

Originally Posted by chris_livsey

So many keepers from the first roll, well done. You will love it more the more you use it. Can you see the M8 (and I have one) working in 50 years time ? Can you "see" the M8 files in 50 years ? who knows but my negs will surely see me out and the next generation as no doubt will your M2.

On the a la carte the only option for the 35/50/90 combination is with the 0.72 viewfinder but rejoice it is there. As the M8/M8.2 is not (yet) on a la carte we can't change from Leica but given the mechanics of the system I think it could be done by a skilled repair person but it would no doubt cost more than another M2 unless everyone carries on praising them and they rise in price.

Well I guess I'll have to live with the limitations of the M8. I remain an M8 fan and it remains my #1 camera but there is something to be said about film and longevity. Only time will tell how long it will take before an M8 is rendered useless. I suspect it won't be operational 50 years from now when I too no doubt will have gone to the great beyond.

Here are a few more shots from the first roll. The second one I confess was staged but I had fun doing it.

Thanks again to all.

Cheers,
Wilfredo
Benitez-Rivera Photography

[wilfredo]

BTW, except for the shots in my home and backyard, the rest were done in Balboa Park, San Diego, and surrounding area.

Cheers,
Wilfredo
Benitez-Rivera Photography

[paulhampson]

Originally Posted by wilfredo

Thank you all. I'm glad I rescued this M2 from inertia and put it back in circulation. I have to say that I was heavily influenced in making the move toward the M2 by the guys on the film forum. I love the camera, it is a jewel.

These pictures were shot with Kodak Tri-X. I had the film processed at Samy's Camera in Santa Ana, California (they send it out to a lab) and except for scratches on the negatives, they do a good job. I scan my negatives on a Nikon Super Coolscan 4000. After that it's post processing using Photoshop CS3.

The first portrait of my friend Basil was shot with my 90mm Summicron. The portrait of my friend Carmen in conversation was done with my 35mm Summicron ASPH. The other two were shot with my 50 mm Konica Hexanon. Eventually I'd like to purchase a 50mm Summilux ASPH.

I've already loaded my M2 with a second roll and plan to keep film in it all the time. I really wish the M8 had the same frame lines, that's the best part of the camera for me.

Cheers,
Wilfredo
Benitez-Rivera Photography

Wilfredo

Those are very nice images - (from a stunning camera).

But hang on - don't let's forget the skills of the photographer. We might all own some of the most expensive cameras in the world, but if we're unable to see the most beautiful light, spot the unusual composition or take advantage of the fleeting moment in which to make a good picture - we're all wasting our time.

Nice shots - well done.

Paul

[wilfredo]

Paul,

Thank you. I can't argue against that. I get both frustrated and tickled sometimes when people look at my pictures and say: "you have a good camera." :-) :-)

Some of my work is with a camera worth less than $75.00 on the market today (including the two lenses I have for it) like the picture below. It doesn't have the Leica imprint, but its not bad either. I like using it to point out to people that photography does require the development of some level of basic skill which comes over time. I think it is a combination of both a good eye, and just enough skill to express what you see.

Cheers,
Wilfredo
Benitez-Rivera Photography

[Paul Hart]

Excellent. These old film Ms are a joy to use. I sold my M8 a few weeks ago and have recently bought a beautiful M3. It feels like a proper Leica, and the images are just different...not necessarily better...